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Media Relations
Kansas State University
9 Anderson Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-6415
media@k-state.edu

Information provided by K-State Media Relations, K-State's news service, may be reproduced without permission. The marks and names of Kansas State University are protected trademarks and may not be used in any commercial or private endeavor without the approval of the university.

Source: Nancy Larson, 785-532-4998, nlarson@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Mary Rankin, 785-532-6715, mrankin@k-state.edu

Monday, Jan. 14, 2008

K-STATE'S POLLUTION PREVENTION INTERN PROGRAM IS HELPING TO REDUCE WASTE, SAVE DOLLARS FOR KANSAS BUSINESSES

MANHATTAN -- The Kansas State University Pollution Prevention Institute Intern Program has seven positions available for summer 2008. Now in its third year, the program links top-level engineering and environmental sciences students with Kansas business and industry to research projects that reduce industrial emissions and wastes and conserve natural resources.

According to Nancy Larson, director of the K-State Pollution Prevention Institute, in the previous two years of the program, 11 K-State College of Engineering students were matched with nine companies. Charged with developing effective waste-reducing solutions, the interns' work helped the companies reduce operating costs, regulatory compliance burdens and their environmental footprint.

If implemented, the interns' recommendations would see the host companies collectively realize savings of up to $1.6 million through reductions of hazardous waste, kilowatt-hours and water use; prevention of soil loss; and diversion of solid waste, Larson said.

"The interns gain hands-on experience in an industrial setting as well as an understanding of pollution prevention strategies for problem solving and environmental management," Larson said.

The students work with a technical adviser from the Pollution Prevention Institute as well as personnel from their host company to identify appropriate projects.

Students enrolled in an accredited engineering or science program at a college or university in Kansas and who have at least a junior standing by the start of summer 2008 are eligible for an intern position. The 2008 program year also will include two positions that work directly with the health care industry.

"Most of these intern positions pay $14 an hour and provide an opportunity to gain education and experience in pollution prevention," Larson said. "Knowledge of this environmental principle will be advantageous to any future career. Participation in these internships throughout the U.S. has resulted in many employment offers from host companies."

Student and business applications are due Thursday, Jan. 31. More information is available by going on line to http://www.sbeap.org/internships.php and downloading the PDF files, Student Application or Business Application for 2008.

The 2007 program matched the following K-State College of Engineering students with Kansas industries: Curtis Leiker, senior in biological and agricultural engineering, Hays, at Frito-Lay, Topeka; Lisa Enns, December 2007 bachelor's graduate in mechanical engineering, Hillsboro, at Haldex Brake, Iola; Andrew Sellers, graduate student in business administration, Manhattan, at Schwan's Global Supply, Salina; Jay Reimer, junior in biological and agricultural engineering, Beatrice, Neb., at Schwan's Global Supply, Salina; and Ignacio Garita, December 2007 bachelor's graduate in electrical and computer engineering, La San Jose, Costa Rica, at Philips Lighting, Salina.